Using the tip calculator
Enter the bill, the tip percentage and the number of people sharing. The tip, the total and each person's share update as you type. Set the number of people to 1 if you are paying alone.
The tip is rounded to the nearest cent. When the total doesn't divide evenly, some people pay one cent more than others, so the shares add up to the total exactly. A $100.30 total split three ways is $33.44 for one person and $33.43 for the other two.
Rounding up the total or each share
Round numbers are easier when paying with cash. Round the total up to a whole dollar raises the total to the next dollar. Round each share up to a whole dollar gives everyone the same whole-dollar amount.
Either way, the extra goes to the tip, and the calculator shows what percentage of the bill the tip has become. Rounding never takes the tip below the percentage you entered.
Worked example: three people sharing $64.50
Three people tip 20% on a $64.50 bill. The tip is $12.90 and the total is $77.40, which is $25.80 each.
With each share rounded up, everyone pays $26. The total becomes $78 and the tip becomes $13.50, which is 20.9% of the bill, or $4.50 per person.
How much to tip in the US
The Emily Post Institute suggests these amounts for common services:
- Sit-down restaurants: 15% to 20% of the bill before tax
- Buffets: 10%
- Bartenders: $1 to $2 a drink, or 15% to 20% of the tab
- Food delivery: 10% to 15%, or $2 to $5 for pizza
- Taxis: 15% to 20% of the fare
- Hair salons: 15% to 20%
- Hotel housekeeping: $2 to $5 a day
Tax, coupons and service charges
To tip on the bill before tax, enter the pre-tax subtotal, then add the tax from your receipt to the total shown. With a coupon or gift card, tip on the full price, since the service was the same.
Look for a service charge or automatic gratuity before you tip, as restaurants often add one for large groups. Tipping customs outside the US are very different, and in many countries service is included in the price.